Buckle



Nov. 18, 1941. RW HI E m Re;21,948 I BUCKLE riginal Filed Juiy a, 1935 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov 18, 1941. P w wHl'TE H Re. 21,948

BUCKLE ori ina Filed July 5, .1935

2 sh ets-sheet 2 Paul flea'nza YMI 7' Reissuecl Nov. 18, 1941 BUCKLEPaul w. White, Waterbury, Conn, and Paul Heinze, Arlington Heights,111., assignors to Parva Products Gompany, Chicago, Ill., a corporationof Delaware Original No. 1,929,158, dated October 3, 1933, Serial No.678,782, July 3, 1933. Application for reissue September 8, 1941, SerialNo. 410,117

11 Claims.

This invention relates to a slide buckle and has special reference to adevice adapted to be mounted on straps, bands, and the like, for thesupport of garments or other objects on the person.

More particularly, this invention relates to slide buckles comprisingslidably engaged frames for receiving a strap, band, or the like,threaded therebetween, the frames cooperating to lock the strap invarious adjusted positions upon the application of tension to thebuckle. One of the frame members is preferably provided with means forengaging the other of the frames to direct a relative transversemovement of the frames upon a relative longitudinal movement thereof, toclamp the strap in various adjusted positions, as desired.

The device of the present invention is adaptable for use with varioustypes of objects, particularly on the person and may be employed withslight variations not departing from the spirit of the invention,universally where detachable connections are desired to be made.However, in the drawings and in the following description the slidebuckle will be described and shown in its association with a strap of anoverall, the strap being threaded between cooperating slidably engagedframes for adjustably clamping the strap relatively thereto and thebottom of one of the frames being preferably provided with an outwardlyextending button-retaining loop for detachable engagement with a buttonon a bib of the overall. parent. that various other uses could bementioned and that this invention is not to be limited to the specificuse herein described and illustrated.

Applicant contemplates the provision of a slide buckle formed of twoslidably engaged frames for the reception of a strap threadedtherebetween, the frame members cooperating to grip efiiciently and atthe same time to permit of a ready adjustment. The strap is heldpositively against slipping after an initial application of tensionwithout the necessity of providing sharp projecting prongs or likegripping members and is readily and conveniently drawn in eitherdirection to adjust the strap longitudinally with a maximum of ease.

The buckle may preferably comprise a pair of slidably engaged frameshaving upper, lower and side bars providing openings therebetween forreceiving a strap threaded therethrough. The lower bar of one of theframe members may be provided with means such as an outwardly ex- Itwill, of course, be readily aptending button-retaining loop fordetachable engagement with an article to be supported, or the bar may bestraight or otherwise formed. to be sewed or otherwise fixedly attachedto the article to be supported. A tension on the strap against thesupported article produces a relative longitudinal movement between theframes in a direction outwardly from each other and by reason of theprovision of a portion of one of the frames engaging a tapered surfaceon the other of the frames, a relative transverse movement of the framesis likewise had to clamp the strap in any position that may be desired.

Several forms of this invention will hereinafter be shown wherein arelative transverse movement of the frames to clamp the strap is hadupon a relative longitudinal movement between the frames. The formsshown comprise the provision of channels on each side of one of theframes to receive opposed edges of one of the other frames in slidableengagement, the channels, in one instance, being tapered to direct therelative transverse. movement upon a relative longitudinal movementthereof, and, in the other instance, the channels being straight and theopposed edges having 'tapered portions, or one of the bars being taperedto provide for the relative transverse movement of the frames upon arelative longitudinal movement thereof. The relative transverse movementin the direction toward each other clamps the strap in adjustedposition, while a relative movement in a direction away from each othercauses the frames to loosen the strap for the purpose of adjustment. Inthe forms illustrated for use in connection with overalls, the lower barof the main frame containing the loop is provided with portionspreferably integrally formed adjacent the loop which are displacedupwardly out of the plane thereof to deflect the button to a positionover the top frame when tension is relieved whereby accidentaldisengagement of the button from the loop is prevented. These portionsare shown in the drawings as being small humps raised forwardly out ofthe material of the frame at the loop from the face of the buckle. Theshank of the button fits in the loop below the plane of these portionsand the head of the button rides thereover to be deflected upwardly overthe upper frame member. Further, portions of the lower bar containingthe loop are provided with depressed portions extencling in the oppositedirection from the above mentioned humps to facilitate the entrance ofthe button into the loop.

The gripping action accomplished by the tathe reason that these edgesvary in thickness."

This Variance of the strap is occasioned by reason of the edges of thestrap being folded over and sewed together, the strap comprising afolded.

piece of material of tubular fashion. The edges are folded in order toobviate a raw edge, making the one side of the strap four folds ofmaterial and the center of the strap but two folds.

Therefore, in order to obtain an even clamping of the strap, it isdesirable to clamp the material of the strap at an intermediate portionthereof or, in other words, at the portion of uniform cross-section.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a buckle comprising apair of slidably engaged frames of the type hereinab-ove described, inwhich the strap threaded therethrough may be conveniently and easilyadjusted in either direction.

Another object of this invention isto provide a slide buckle comprisinga pair of slidably engaged frames of the character indicated above inwhich a relative longitudinal movement of the frames provides a relativetransverse movement for clamping the strap in adjusted positions betweenthe frames.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a slide bucklecomprising a pair of slidably engaged frames, as hereinabove pointedout, in which the construction may be relatively inexpensive tomanufacture, may be durable and simple in construction, and simple inthreading and in manipulation.

Other objects and advantages will be hereinafter more particularlypointed out and for a more complete understanding of the characteristicfeatures of this invention, reference may now be had to the followingdescription when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in whichlatter:

Figure 1 is a face view of a'buckle constructed in accordance with theteachings of this invention, in which the buckle is shown as connectinga portion of the strap with a fragmentary portion of a bib of anoverall;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational View of Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged central vertical sectional view taken on the line44 of Figure 1, showing a clamped position of the strap;

Fig. 5 is a View similar to Fig. 4, showing the bib portion andassociated button in dotted lines and also showing a changed position ofthe frame members to an unclamped position;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the frames of the buckleconstruction illustrated in Figure 1;

Fig. '7 is a perspective View of the other'of the frame members of thebuckle construction shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 8 is a face view of an assembled buckle of a modified form ofconstruction, employing the teachings of this invention;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged central vertical sectional view taken on the line99 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of one of the frame members of the buckleconstruction shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one of the other frame members of theconstruction shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a face view of an assembled buckle, showing another modifiedform of construction, employing the teachings of this invention;

' Fig. 13 is an enlarged central Vertical sectional View taken on theline I 3l 3 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a face view of an assembled buckle of still another modifiedform constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention; and

Fig. 15 is an enlarged central vertical sectional view taken on the line|5| 5 of Fig. 14.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 7,inclusive, thereof, the construction therein shown comprises a pair offrame members and 2|, the frame member 20 being substantiallyrectangular having cross bars such as the upper and lower bars 24 and25, sides 22 and 23, and an intermediate cross bar 26 definingsubstantially rectangular slots 21 and 28,

as shown more particularly in Fig. 7 of the draw- 30, cross bars in theform of an upper bar 3! and a lower bar 32 defining a substantiallyrectangularly-shaped opening or slot 33, as shown more particularly inFig. 6 of the drawings. The bar 32 of the frame 2| is shaped to define aloop 34, the button receiving opening of which opens into therectangularly-shaped slot 33 of the frame. Portions 36 of the loop 34are offset upwardly or forwardly with reference to the remainder of theface of the loop for reasons which will hereinafter be more fullyexplained. Further, adjacent each displaced portion 36 the lower bar 32is provided with offset portions 31 which portions are displaced toextend in a direction rearwardly of the loop 35 for facilitating theentrance of the button into the loop as will here: inafter be moreclearly explained.

The frame members 20 and 2| forming the slide buckle may be convenientlystamped from sheet metal or otherwise formed of a unitary constructionso that the commercial production of the buckle is thus facilitated. Inthe stamped buckle, the bars or frames are preferably dished orarci-formed in cross-section to result in the strengthening of thebuckle and the use of a relatively light-gage metal. line sides 29 and30 of the frame 2| are preferably bent back upon themselves in a spacedrelation to form channels for receiving the opposed edges 22 and 23 ofthe frame 2!]. In the form shown in the present figures, the upper edges38 and 39 of the channels are tapered or offset with respect to theplane of the frame. The lower bar 40 of the frame 2!! is, ashereinbefore stated, of arci-form cross-section, the section beinguniform throughout the entire width of the frame. The opposed edges 22and 23 are, however, in the present example, not dished excepting at thelower end adjacent the lower bar 40 in a transverse direcwidth of thetongue terminates substantially within the inner edges of the frames forpurposes which will hereinafter'be more apparent. The frame members and2|, when in an assembled condition, cooperate to clamp a strap 42 invarious adjusted positions, the free end of the strap 42 being passedunder the bar 24 upwardly through the Opening 21 over the bar 26 andthence downwardly through the slots 28 and 33 to a position behind theloop 34, which threading is shown most clearly in Figs. 4 and 5. In theposition shown in Fig. 5, the strap is free to be adjusted to eitherdirection, the slots in the respectiv frames being substantially alignedand no clamping action being obtained between the bars.

However, when it is desired to clamp the strap in an adjusted position,a tension on the strap 42 provides a relative longitudinal movement ofthe frame members in opposite directions, the

frame 20 moving upwardly with the strap and the frame 2| remaining in afixed position relatively to a button 43, a shank 44 of which rests atthe lower end of the button loop 35. In this case, th button is shown asbeing attached to a bib 45 of an overall.

The relative longitudinal movement thus effected by the tension of thestrap 42 produces a relative transverse movement of the frames in adirection toward each other to clamp the strap in a fixed positionbetween the tongue 41 and the bar 3|, the offset bar 40 riding over thetapered upper edges 38 and 39 of the channels. The channels, beingtapered or converging upwardly, move the bar in a direction toward thebar 3| whereby the tongue 4i being at the. lowermost point of thetransverse plane of the bar engages the strap 42. Inasmuch as the tongue4| extends only over a central portion of the bar 25, the clampingengagement thereof with the strap occurs only over a central portion ofthe strap. It is, of course, to be understood that full engagement ofthe bar of the strap may be had, although in most instances it isdesirable to engage merely the central portion thereof, since one orboth of the outer ends of the strap may be of a substantially greaterthickness than the intermediate portion thereof. Ordinarily, theintermediate portion of the strap is of uniform crosssection and we haveindicated our preferred form therefor as comprising a bar in which thecentral portion only thereof engages the strap.

' In use, the strap 42 will be threadedly engaged between the frames 28and 2| of the buckle in a manner previously described and the buttonwill be engaged with the loop 35. The introduction of the button intoengagement with the loop is facilitated by virtue of the fact that theframe 2| is provided with downwardly extending offset portions 31 whichare adapted to engage the peripheral edge of the button to direct thesame forwardly to a position where th shank of the button is engaged inthe opening 35 with the underneath head of the button engaging the frontface of the loop. As long as there is a relative pull between the strapand the butten, the button will remain in the lower portion of the loop35. If, however, this relative pull should be relieved and the buttonshould slip upwardly in the loop, the portions 35 will deflect thebutton forwardly over the lower bar 25 of the frame 28 to prevent itsaccidentally being engaged from'the button loop. Head-room may beprovided in both of the buckle frames 28 and 21 by a slight curvature ofthe bar 25 as indicated at 46 and'a slight curvature in the bar 3| ofthe frame 2! as indicated at.

The buckles, in their condition as shownin Fig. 4, are substantiallylocked and clamp the strap 42 in such position. When it is desired torelease th strap from its clamped position,a pull on the free end of thestrap 42 while holding the frame H in a stationary position, or a merepressure of the fingers on the upper portion of the frame 20 and thelower portion of the frame 2| will move the frame members longitudinallytoward each other to permit a transverse movement away'from each otheruntil the cooperating slots ar substantially in register. This conditionof the buckle frames is shown more particularly in Fig. 5.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 8 .to 11, inclusive, a modifiedform of construction is illustrated in which the slide buckle comprisesa pair of frames 48 and 49, both of which frames, generally speaking,are the sameas the frames 20 and 2| previously described and a detaileddescription of the various elements of the entire construction,therefore, is not believed to be required. However, the points ofmechanical difference will be discussed, and it will be noted that thechannels 58 and 5| formed on opposed sides of the frame 49 are truechannels, that is, the upper surfaces of the channel members aresubstantially parallel with the lower portions thereof. The channels maythus be said to be of substantially uniform cross-section throughout thelength thereof. However, in order to obtain a relative transversemovement of th frames upon a relative longitudinal movement thereof toclamp the strap in adjusted position between the frames, the opposedsides of the frame 48 are provided each with tapered offset portions 52and 53 or projections in which the exposed surfaces are inclined withrespect to the plane of the frame for engaging the channels 5i] and 5|,respectively.

The frame members 48 and 49, when in an assembled condition, cooperateto clamp a strap 54 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9) in variousadjusted positions, the opposed sides of the frame 48 having slidablemovement in the channels with the tapered offset portions 52 and 53engaging the upper surfaces of the channels 58 and 5|, respectively. Atension on the strap 54 moves the frame '48 upwardly as the lower frame49 is held in a fixed position by reason of its engagement with a buttonof a bib of an overall. This relative longitudinal movement between theframes 48 and 49 promotes a transverse movement thereof by reason of thetapered offset portions 52 and 53 engaging the straight sides of thechannels and 5|, respectively. Such relative transverse movement of theframes provides a clamping between the bars of the frame with the straptherebetween when the frames are moved in one direction, and when theframes are moved in an opposite direction the bars are released topermit a free movement of the strap therebetween in the same manner aspreviously described with reference to the first embodiment.

Referring now more particularly to the embodiment illustrated in Figs.12 and 13 of the drawings, a pair of frames 55 and 56 are shown whichare preferably stamped from sheet metal, substantially the entireportions of which are dished for the purpose of strengthening theconstruction and reducing the thickness of the material necessary to aminimum. The frame 55 comprises cross bars such as the upper and lowerbars 51 and 58 with an intermediate cross bar 59 connecting opposedsides 66 and 61. The lower bar 58, preferably of substantially uniformwidth throughout, is provided with an offset portion 62 substantiallycentrally thereof terminating a distance from the inner edges of theframe and extending toward the interior of the frame, the side or edgeportions of the bar 58 being thus relieved to permit the free passage ofthe edges of the strap which, in most instances, are of a thickercross-section than that of the intermediate portion thereof, aspreviously explained. The frame 56 is provided with an upper bar 63 anda lower bar 64 connecting spaced sides 65 and 66, the sides, in turn,being formed to produce channels, upper edges 61 and 6B, of which arepreferably straight or extend in the same plane as that of the plane ofthe frame.

A loop 69 is preferably provided in the lower bar 64 of the frame 56 andhas a loop opening 10 extending to the interior of the frame for thereception of a button of an overall bib, or the like. The upper bar 63of the frame 56 is preferably tapered over the entire laterallyextending surface thereof, or is offset with respect to the plane of theframe of which it is a part. This tapered surface or offset portionprovides the dished surface employed for strengthening the frame as wellas cooperating with the center offset portion 62 of the bar 58 toclampingly hold a strap H in a fixed adjust-ed position.

The frame members 55 and 56, when in an assembled condition, cooperateto clamp the strap H in various adjusted positions, the free end of athe strap II being threaded in the rear of the bar 5! forwardly over thetop of the bar 59 and downwardly under the bar 58 between the offsetportion 62 thereof and the tapered surface of the bar 63 and rearwardlybehind the loop 69.

The frames are slidably engaged, the opposed sides 60 and BI of theframe 55 engaging the channels 61 and 58 of the frame 56. Offsetportions 12 and 13 may preferably be provided on the sides 60 and GI ofthe frame 55 for engagement with the underneath surfaces of the channels61 and 63. A pull or tension of the strap ll provides a relativelongitudinal movement of the frames, the frame 55 moving upwardly andthe frame 56 being held in a stationary condition by the button of thebib. Such relative longitudinal movement provides a transverse movementof the frame to clamp the strap in adjusted position therebetween, theoffset portion 62 of the bar 58 moving forwardly in the direction of theinclined plane of the bar 63 until the strap is clamped therebetween, asshown more particularly in Fig. 13. When it is desired to loosen thestrap within the frames, a pull on the free end of the strap as theframe 56 is held against movement permits the registration orsubstantial alignment of the relative slots in the frames and a movementof the tongue in a direction away from the inclined surface, whichaction may likewise be accomplished by a manual manipulation of theframes themselves.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 14 and 15, an embodiment isillustrated in which slidably engaged frames 14 and 15 may be adaptedfor use in connection with other objects on the person such, forexample, as lingerie. In this illustration, a lower bar 16 of the frame15 is not provided with a loop for engagement with the button butconnects the opposite sides of the frame in a substantially straightplane. This bar may be sewed or otherwise fixedly attached to a garmentinstead of being detachably engaged therewith, as in the previouslydescribed illustrations of this invention. The structure of the framesutilizes the mechanical features of the embodiment shown in Figure 1with the exception of the loop, the action of the rest of theconstruction in connection with the strap associated therewith being thesame.

While several embodiments of this invention are herein shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof maybe apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention and, therefore, the same are only tobe limited by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims.

We claim: y

1. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposedface to face in a spaced substantially parallel relation, said frameshaving side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for definingslots to receive a strap threaded therethrough, one of said frameshaving a portion the exposed surface of which is inclined with respectto the plane thereof for engaging the other of said frames to directrelative transverse movements of said frames toward and away from eachother upon relative longitudinal movements thereof, the spacing of saidframes being sufficient to permit said strap to be clamped in adjustedpositions-between the opposed faces of cooperating cross bars of saidframes by the transverse movement of said frames toward each other uponthe tensioning of said strap, said strap extending through a slot in oneof said frames thence between said faces and through a slot in the otherof said frames.

2. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposedface to face in a spaced substantially parallel relation, said frameshaving side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars for definingslots to receive a strap threaded therethrough, the side bars of one ofsaid frames being bent to form channels having inclined surfaces toreceive the side bars of the other of said frames in slidableengagement, and means cooperating with said inclined surfaces to directrelative transverse movements of said frames toward and away from eachother upon relative longitudinal movements thereof, the spacing of saidframes being sufficient to permit said strap to be clamped in adjustedpositions between the opposed faces of cooperating cross bars of saidframes by the transverse movement of said frames toward each other uponthe tensioning of said strap, said strap extending through a slot in oneof said frames thence between said faces and through a slot in the otherof said frames.

3. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of frames having side bars andcross bars connecting said side bars defining openings for receiving astrap threaded therethrough, the side bars of one of said frames beingbent to form channels to receive opposed edges of the other of saidframes in slidable engagement and a cross bar of one of said framescooperating with a cross bar of the other of said frames to clamp saidstrap, and projections adjacent the opposed edges on said other frame,said projections being tapered and cooperating with the walls of saidchannels for directing relative transverse movements of said framestoward and away from each other upon relative longitudinal movementsthereof for controlling the coactionof said cross bars to adjust theposition of'said strap.

4, A slide buckle, comprising a frame having spaced sides and a thirdside forming a loop opening into the interior of .the frame forrereceiving-a button, a bar connecting said spaced sides for engagingastrap, a second frame for slidably engaging said first mentioned frameand having side bars and cross bars connecting said side bars definingan opening through which said strap is threaded, one of said cross barsbeing disposed adjacent said loop opening to prevent accidentaldisengagement of said button from said loop and overlying said firstmentioned bar in an operative position, and means on one of said framesfor engaging the other of said frames to direct relative transversemovements of said frames toward and away from each other upon relativelongitudinal movements thereof to clamp said strap in adjusted positionsbetween said overlying bars.

5. A slide buckle, comprising a frame having spaced sides and a thirdside for attachment with an article to be supported, a bar connectingsaid spaced sides for engaging a strap, a second frame for slidablyengaging said first mentioned frame and having side bars and cross barsconnecting said side bars for defining an opening through which saidstrap is threaded, one of said cross bars overlying said first mentionedbar in an operative position and having projecting means over a centralportion thereof terminating a substantial distance from the inner edgesof said spaced sides, and means on one of said frames for engaging theother of said frames to direct a relative transverse movement of saidframes toward each other upon a relative longitudinal movement thereofto clamp said strap at a central portion thereof between said projectingmeans and said first mentioned bar whereby that portion of the straphaving a uniform thickness is presented for said clamping action.

6. A slide buckle, comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames havingside bars and cross bars connecting said side bars to define openingsfor receiving a strap threaded therethrough, and means on one of saidframes for engaging the other of said frames to direct a relativetransverse movement of said frames upon a relative longitudinal movementthereof, said strap being clamped in adjusted positions between bars ofsaid frames by the transverse movement of said frames toward each otherupon the tensioning of said strap, one of said strap engaging barshaving an intermediate projecting edge portion thereof terminating asubstantial distance from the inner edges of said side bars for engaginga central portion only of said strap whereby that portion of the straphaving a uniform thickness is presented for said clamping action.

7. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposedin face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having sidebars connected by spaced cross bars defining slots to receive a strapthreaded therethrough, one of said frames being free of attachment tothe strap and having the side bars thereof connected by end cross barsand by a center cross bar to form two strap-receiving slots, and thesecond of said frames having the side bars thereof connected by an endbar for attachment of said second frame to the strap and by another endbar having a surface inclined from the plane of said second frame, saidstrap being threaded through the said two slots of said one frame so asto pass over said center cross bar and beneath the end cross barsthereof, said inclined surface upon tensioning of said strap to causerelative slidable movement ofsaid frames co-operating with the inneredge of one of said end cross bars on said one frame to clamp the straptherebetween.

8; A slidebuckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged'frames disposedin face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having sidebarsconnected by spaced cross bars defining slots to receive a strapthreaded therethrough, one of said frames being free of'attachment tothe strap and having the side bars thereof connected by end cross barsand by a center cross bar to form two strap-receiving slots, and thesecond of said frames having the side bars thereof connected by an endbar for attachment of said second frame to the strap and by another endcross bar having a portion of the surface thereof inclined from theplane of said second frame and facing the strap attaching end barthereof, said strap being threaded between the end cross bars of saidsecond frame and through the said two slots of said one frame so as topass beneath the end cross bars thereof and over said center cross bar,said inclined surface and the inner edge of one of said end cross barson said one frame co-operating upon relative slidable movement of saidframes caused by tensioning of said strap to clamp the straptherebetween.

9. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposedin face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having sidebars connected by spaced cross bars defining slots to receive a strapthreaded therethrough, one of said frames being free of attachment tothe strap and having the side bars thereof connected by end cross barsand by a center cross bar to form two strap-receiving slots, and thesecond of said frames having the side bars thereof connected by endcross bars defining a strap-receiving slot, one of said end cross barson said second frame being deformed from the plane of said frame toprovide an inclined strap-engaging surface facing the slot in saidsecond frame and the other of said end cross bars on said second frameproviding for attachment of said frame to the strap, said strap beingthreaded through said slots in said frames so as to pass under one endcross bar of said one frame, over said center cross bar thereof, andthen between the inner edge of the other end cross bar on said one frameand said inclined surface, said inclined surface and said inner edge ofsaid other cross bar on said one frame co-operating when tensioning ofsaid strap causes relative sliding movement of said frames to clamp saidstrap therebetween with a wedging action.

10. A slide buckle, comprising a frame having spaced sides and a thirdside for attachment with an article to be supported, a bar connectingsaid spaced sides having a portion inclined from the plane of said framefor engaging a strap, a second frame having side bars connected byspaced apart end bars and by a center cross bar defining two openingsthrough which said strap is threaded to pass over said center cross barand beneath said end bars, one of said end bars overlying said inclinedportion in an operative position with said strap passing therebetween,and means on one of said frames for engaging the other of said frames todirect a relative slidable movement of said frames upon tensioning ofsaid strap to clamp said strap between the inner edge of said one endbar and said inclined portion.

11. A slide buckle comprising a pair of slidably engaged frames disposedin face-to-face substantially parallel relation, said frames having sidebars connected by spaced cross bars defining slots to receive a strapthreaded therethrough, one of said frames being free of attachment tothe strap and having the side bars thereof connected by end cross barsand by a center cross bar to form two strap-receiving slots, and thesecond of said frames having the side bars thereof connected by an endbar for attachment of said second frame to the strap and by another endbar having a surface inclined from the plane of said second frame, saidinclined surface comprising an intermediate portion of said other endbar on said second frame terminating a substantial distance from theinner edges of said side bars thereof, said strap being threaded throughthe said two slots of said one frame so as to pass over said centercross bar and beneath the end cross bars thereof, said inclined surfaceupon tensioning of said strap to cause relative slidable movement ofsaid frames co-operating with the inner edge of one of said end crossbars on said one frame to clamp a central portion only of the straptherebetween.

PAUL W. WHITE. PAUL HEINZE.

